Yankees’ Cam Schlittler gets A+ advice from Mookie Betts

That in-season churn, first without Gerrit Cole, then without Max Fried and Carlos Rodon as both dealt with elbow issues, has forced Schlittler to anchor his mindset in something more durable than circumstance. That’s where Betts stepped in with some unsolicited advice.

“I would argue try not to find anything that motivates you, because motivation can come and go,” Betts said. “I would say try and find something that drives you, that keeps you going. You see Gerrit Cole, he’s driven. He didn’t wake up motivated. He doesn’t care who’s over there. He’s driven. Once you can do that, you’ll find the time that you’re supposed to dominate, you will. And when you get hit in the mouth, it’s like the next time you pitch, you’re not motivated to fix the last one. It’s just part of the process.”

Schlittler took the advice to heart. “I’m driven to get to where I want to get to,” he said.

Betts, ever the competitor even in a moment of mentorship, could not resist one last line. “I agree. That’s great advice,” he said. “Just don’t use it against us, okay?”

The exchange comes during a standout season for Schlittler, who has emerged as a legitimate Cy Young contender and recently turned down his first career All-Star Game selection to preserve his arm for a Yankees rotation that has needed him more than ever.